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N0. 609,583. Patented Aug. 23, I898. A. HEINE & G. S. MACK.

CONFEGTIONERS SEPARATING AND FILLING MACHINE.

(Application filed Dec. 27, 1897.) (No Model.) 5 Sheets$hest I.

'mz NORRIS virus 00. wnomuwo. WASHINGTON. o. c.

8 9 l 7 nw u A d e n e a P A 3 8 9 0 6 m N CONFEGTIUNERS SEPARATING AND FILLING MACHINE.

(Application filed Dec. 27, 1897.)

5 SheetsSheet 2.

{No Model.)

In: news PETERS cu. mm'ourua, WASHINGTON, n. c.

No. 609,583. Patented Aug. 23, I898. A. HEINE &. G. S. MACK.

CONFEGTIUNERS SEPARATING AND FILLING MACHINE.

\ (Application filed Dec. 27, 1897.)

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 3.

L m: NORRIS prrcns 00.. PNOTO-LITNO.. WASHINGTON, a. c.

. Patented Aug. 23, I898. A. HEINE &. G. S. MACK. GONFECTIONERS SEPARATING AND FILLING MACHINE.

(Application fled Dec. 27, 1897.)

5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

(No Model.)

No. 609,583. 1 Patented Aug. 23, I898. A. HEINE & G. S. MACK.

CONFECTIONEBS SEPARATING AND FILLING MACHINE.

(Application filed Dec. 27, 1897.)

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

THE NDRRlS PETERS co. vacuum-0.. wAsumsYo n. c.

NITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE.

AUGUST HEINE AND GEORGE S.'MAOK, OF SILVER CREEK, NEW YORK;

SAID MACK ASSIGNOR TO SAID HEINE.

CONFE-CTIONERS SEPARATING AND FILLING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 609,583, dated August 23, 1898.

' Application filed December 27, 1897.- Serial No. 663,689. FNo model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, AUGUST HEINE and GEORGE S. MACK, citizens of the United States, residing at Silver Creek, in the county of Chautauqua, in the State of New York, have invented anew and useful Improvement in Confectioners Separating and Filling Machines,of which the followingis a specification.

This invention relates mainly to a machine for cleaning or separating candy from the powderedstarch in which it has been cast and for filling the empty trays with a fresh bed of powdered starch preparatory. to forming the molding-cavities in the same for casting a new lot of candy. Parts'of our invention are, however, applicable also to other separating-machines.

The objects of our invention are to simplify the construction of the machine, to increase its efficiency, to render it more convenient in operation, and to improve in various respects some of the mechanisms which enter into the construction of the machine.v

In the accompanying drawings, consisting of five sheets, Figure l is a side elevation of a separating and filling machine embodying our invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section taken centrally through the machine. Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section in line 3 3, Fig. 2, looking forward. Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse section in line i 4, Fig. 2, looking rearward. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one of the lifting-latches and connecting parts of the starch-conveyor. Fig. 6 is a bottom plan View of the tray-retaining device. Figs. 7 and 8 are horizontal sections in lines 7 7 and 8 8, Fig. 2, respectively. Fig. 9 is a fragmentary horizontal section in line 9 9, Fig. 2. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of one of the supporting-springs of the shakingscreen. Fig. 11 is a fragmentary horizontal section showing a modification of the springsupport for the screen. Fig. 12 is a top plan View of the same with its supporting-frame in section. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of one of the springs shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

Like letters of reference refer to like parts in the several figures.

A represents the main frame of the machine, and B the separating chamber or case, which incloses the separating mechanism.

0 represents a reciprocating separatingscreen which is arranged lengthwise in the separating-chamber and preferably inclined from its head or front end toward its tail or rear end. Alongitudinal reciprocating movement is imparted to the screen, preferably by a mechanism which embodies two transverse spring-supports, one at each end of the screen, and one or more actuating-cams, and which is constructed as follows:

D D, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10, represent springs, each of which is preferably made out of elastic wood and which consists of two flat elastic sections d d, a central wrist d,connecting the same, and wrists (1 arranged at the outer ends of the sections. These spring-sections and wrists are preferably cut out of a single piece of wood. The springD at the front end of the screen turns with its central wrist in a bearing d secured to the front end of the screen-frame, and is adj ustably secured with its end wrists in bearings d on the adjacent portions of the frame by set-screws (1 The rear spring D is similarly journaled with its central wrist in a bearing 01 secured centrally underneath the tail portion of the screen, and is adj ustably secured with its end wrists in bearings 01 in the adjacent portion of the frame by set-screws d These springs are so adjusted with reference to the surface of. the screen that their flat sides stand at an oblique angle to the same, so that their deflection takes place at an oblique angle to the plane of the screen. This arrangement of thesprings causes the screen tobe tossed in the direction of the plane of deflection of the springs, thereby causing the material on the screen to be thrown or tossed away from the surface of the screen, whereby the separation of the candy from the starch is facilitated. and the movement of the material from the head to the tail of the screen is expedited.

When it is desired to vary the tossing action of the springs, the angle of deflection of these springs with reference to the screensurface can be adjusted by loosening the setscrews, turning the springs into the desired position, and then tightening the screws.

The forward movement of the screen is preferably produced by means of one or more rotary cams D which engage against depending lugs D underneath the rear portion of the screen-frame. These cams are mounted upon a transverse driving-shaft D which is arranged underneath the rear portion of the screen. The salient portions of the cams engage with the lugs of the screen and move the screen backwardly, whereby the springs are deflected, and when the receding portions of the cams are presented to the lugs the screen-frame is moved forwardly by the resilience of the springs. WVhen no adjustment of the spring is necessary, the same can be rigidly secured to the frame and the screen, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. In this construction each wooden spring has two fiat elastic portions 61 connected by a thick portion 61 which is secured to one end of the screen-frame, and thick end portions (Z arranged at the outer ends of the flexible portions and rigidly connected with the adjacent portion of the frame. In these figures the screen is arranged horizontally and the springs are secured obliquely with their thick inner portions to the head and tail of the screen and with their thick end portions to the adjacent portions of the frame, so that the springs are deflected obliquely to the plane of the screen. a

The head of the screen is arranged underneath an opening E in the top of the separating-chamber, through which the material is delivered upon the screen, and the tail of the screen projects through an opening E in the rear end of the separating-chamber. The clothing of the screen consists of a fine section f, which covers about one-half of the front portion of the screen, a rear coarse seetion f at the tail of the screen, one or more imperforate sections f arranged in the central portion of the screen, and fine screensections f arranged between adjacent imperforate sections. The fine molding-starch passes through the fine sections of the screen, the large lumps of starch and small fragments of candy pass through the coarse screensection, and the whole candy passes over the tail of the screen. In order to thoroughly clean the candy and detach all particles of starch from the same as the candy passes over the screen, the candy is brushed by mechanism which is constructed as follows:

G,"Figs. 2 and 8, represents pieces of plush or other fibrous material secured to the upper sides of the imperforate sections of the screen for cleaning or brushing the starch from those portions of the candy with which they come in contact. I

H, Figs. 2 and 8, represents a number of soft rotary brushes which are arranged transversely over the brushingsections of the screen and detach the particles of starch from the upper surfaces of the candy as the latter passes over the brushing-sections. These brushes preferably rotate rearwardly with their lower portions and so assist in carrying the candy rearwardly over the screen. In order to reduce the longitudinal carrying effect of these brushes and also for the purpose of causing these brushes to turn the candy and expose all portions thereof to the brushing action, the tufts or bristles are arranged spirally upon the stock of the brush. As the brushes engage with the candy they move the same rearwardly and laterally and at the same time turn the same. The spiral rows of bristles on each brush preferably trend in opposite directions from the center of the brush, and the spiral portions of one brush are arranged, preferably, in a direction opposite to that of the opposing portions of the adjacent brush, as represented in Fig. 8, so that one brush carries the candy toward the sides and the next brush toward the center of the screen. For the purpose of bringing the rotary brushes in contact with all parts of the flat brush-section of the screen and to prevent the accumulation of starch between the brushes the latter are moved bodily lengthwise of the screen, thereby keeping all parts of the brush-sections of the screen clean and wearing the same uniformly. The shafts h of the brushes are journaled with their ends in bearings mounted on two longitudinallyslidin g bars I, which are arranged adjacent to the inner sides of the separating-chamber and which are slowly reciprocated by means of a transverse rock-shaft J, arranged over the front portion of the screen and provided with rock-arms j, connected by rods j with the brush-supporting bars. The front ends of the brush-supporting bars are slidably supported on the rock-shaft J by means of a longitudinal slot j arranged in the front end of each bar and receiving the rock-shaft, and the rear end of each brush-supporting shaft passes through an opening arranged in the lower end of a hanger 7c and rests upon a roller journaled in the hanger at the lower end of said opening. These hangers are arranged on the inner side of the rear portion of the separating-chamber and are capable of being adjusted simultaneously up and down for adjusting the rotary brushes to the screen. Vertical screws K, journaled in the frame and engaging with screw-nuts in the hangers, and a sprocket-chain 70?, passing around sprocket-wheels k on said screwshafts, are preferably employed for adjusting the hanger. The sprocket-wheels and belt are arranged in a chamber Z0 formed in the upper rear portion of the frame, and one of the screw-shafts is provided outside of the frame'with a handwheel for turning the screw. After the rotary brushes have been adjusted they are held in this position by means of clamping-screws 70 which engage with the main frame and pass through vertical slots 70 in the hangers.

Rotary motion is transmitted from the main shaft D to the several revolving brushes while the latter are moving back and forth over the screen by the following mechanism:

L represents a rock-arm which is mounted loosely at its lower end upon the main drivingshaft D outside of the separating-chamber.

Z is a short horizontal shaft journaled in the upper end of the rock-arm L, and Z is a link loosely connecting the short shaft with the end of one of the brush-shafts, the latter projecting through a slot Z in the adjacent portion of the separating-chamber for this purpose.

M represents a chain belt passing around sprocket-wheels m m, arranged on the main shaft and one end of the short shaft Z, respectively, and N is a chain belt passing around a sprocket-wheel a, secured to the opposite end of the short shaft, and a sprocket-wheel 'n, secured to the outer end of the brush-shaft to which the link Z is connected. Motion is transmitted from the main brush-shaft h to the shafts of the adjacent brushes by means of chain belts 0, passing around sprocket wheels 0' 0 on the main brush-shaft and the adjacent brush-shafts. The driving mechanism connecting the several brushes is preferably arranged partly on one side of the machine and partly on the other side, and in order to prevent the candy and starch from coming in contact with the same the screen is provided with two longitudinal guards 19, each of which forms, together with the adjacent side piece of the screen, a space in'which the adjacent portion of the driving mechanism is arranged.

The starch-dust which is formed in the separating-chamber is collected and prevented from escaping from the machine by any suitable dust-collector, that shown in the drawings being constructed as follows:

Q represents a suction-chamber arranged on the top of the separating-chamber, and R is a fan having its eye communicating with the suction-chamber, while its blast-spout 0* extends outwardly through the rear wall of the suction-chamber.

8 represents a number of vertical filteringtubes of cotton or other suitable fabric,which have their upper ends closed, while their lower ends open into the top of the separating-chamber. The suction of the fan draws the dust-laden air from the separating-chamber and the spaces connecting therewithinto the filtering-tubes. The starch is separated from the air by the tubes, while the purified air passes through the tubes to the fan. These tubes are shaken by suitable means from time to time for the purpose of detaching the starch from the inner side of the tubes and discharging the same into the separatingchamber and upon the sieve. The shaking device shown consists of rotary cams t,which depress the frame T, supporting the upper ends of the tubes, and springs t',which raise said frame when the cams release the same. U represents a blast-chamber which is arranged in rear of the separating-chamber and which has its upper end connected with the blast-spout of the fan, while its lower end is provided with a narrow discharge slot ornozzle arranged transversely over the delivery portion of the screen in rear of the rearmost brush. As the candy passes over the tail portion of the screen it is subjected to the blast of air issuing from the blast-nozzle, whereby loose particles of starch are detached from the candy and blown into the separatingchamber, thereby effectually cleaning the candy.

V represents a tray-feeding guide or trough arranged transversely underneath the head of the screen and extending with its receiving and delivery ends beyond the sides of the separating-chamber.

V is an inclined starch-receiving table arranged below the central portion of the screen and extending from the end of the rearmost fine screen-section upwardlyto the tray-feed- -ing trough.

W represents a reciprocating conveyer consisting of a number of transverse scrapingplates w, arranged upon the table and secured to longitudinal bars 20'. A reciprocating motion lengthwise of the table is imparted to these scrapers by a rock-shaft Q02, provided with upwardly-projecting arms w which are connected with the bars of the scraper by connectingrods 10 The scrapers rest upon the table during their forward movement and carry the starch upon the same toward the tray-trough,while during the backward movement the scrapers are lifted from the table, so as not to disturb the starch lying upon the same. This lifting of the scrapers is produced by a number of pins 10 which project outwardly through longitudinal slots w in the walls of the separating-chamber and which are adapted to engage with inclined latches or switches 10 Each of the latter is pivoted with its rear end to a bracket w carried by a shelf w, and rests loosely with its front end on said shelf. During the forward movement of the scrapers these pins pass underneath the latches and lift the same. At the end of the forward movement of the scrapers the pins have passed beyond the latches and the latter have dropped back upon the shelves. During the backward movement of the scrapers the pins ride up on the inclined surface of the latches,whereby the scrapers are raised and held in their raised position until the scrapers reach one end of their backward movement, when the pins drop from the latches and allow the scrapers to bear again upon the table preparatory to effecting the next forward stroke of the conveyer.

The empty trays are placed upon the receiving portion of the feed-trough and are carried from .the same underneath the screen by an endless-belt conveyer X,passin g around sprocket-wheels a; m at opposite ends of the receiving portion of the trough and provided with cross-bars 00 which pass over the bottom of the tray-trough and engage with the lowerportion of the tray for feeding the same forward. The tail or deliveryend of this belt previously been fed below the sieve.

conveyer is arranged underneath the receiving side of the screen, so that the tray is released by the conveyer when it has arrived in position underneath the screen and remains in this position until it is pushed out bya tray subsequently fed forward by the tray-conveyer. The trays are guided into their proper position underneath the screen and held in position underneath the same by means of a retaining and guide frame consisting of two angular guide-bars, which are connected by cross-bars y. Each of these side bars consists of a vertical portion y, engaging with the longitudinal outer side of the tray and provided with a curved front end 1 whereby thejtray is directed against the inner side of the depending portion, and a horizontal top portion y adapted to bear against one of the upper longitudinal edges of the tray and provided with a curved front end y, whereby the tray is guided underneath the horizontal portion. The retaining frame is yieldingly held in a depressed position by two leaf-springs yieach of which is secured lengthwise, with its cen-,

tral portion to the upper side of one of the guide-bars,and provided at its ends with hooks y which engage with the adjacent portions of thesidewalls of the chamber for the purpose of holding the retaining-frame against longitudinal displacement. The downward movement of the retaining-frame is limited by means of the stops g arranged on opposite sides of the feed-trough and adapted to engage with the under side of the guide-bars. g represents a striker which is secured transversely to the rear portion of the retainingframe and which is adapted to strike or scrape the surplus starch from the top of. the tray flush with the upper edge thereof. The starch falling down from the screen and from the table is prevented from lodging upon the guide-bars, the springs, and the striker by means of deflectors or guards z z, secured, respectively, to the front and rear walls of the trough and overhanging the springs and bars, and a guard or deflector 2 secured to the wall adjacent to the striker and overhanging the latter.

The bottom of the delivery portion of the tray-guiding trough is perforated, as shown at .2 Figs. 4 and 7, which permits any spilled starch carried along by the tray to .drop through this portion of the trough into a supply-box 2.

In the operation of this machine a tray of starch and candy is emptied upon the screen and the starch is immediately separated from the candy and sifted into a tray which has The operator now places the tray, which has just been emptied, in the receiving portion of the feed-trough. This empty tray is then carried forward by the feed-belt until the belt clears the tray, whereby the preceding tray, which has in the meantime become filled with starch, is pushed from underneath the screen onto the delivery portion of the trough,

the empty tray taking its place underneath the screen. Each tray'remains underneath the screen until displaced by the next following tray. Each tray as it is fed forwardly by the feed-beltis directed between the guidebars of the guide-frame by the curved front ends of their depending portions, and the tray is directed underneath the horizontal portions of the frame-bars, so as to lift the frame by the curved front ends of the horizontal portions. A quantity of starch is kept in the supply-box and is drawn upon to make up any deficiency in the supply of starch if the trays are not properly filled. The starch, which becomes disseminated in the air-current passing through the separating-chamber, is carried into the dust-collector, where it accumulates on the inner side of the cloth until it is jarred off, when it drops back upon the screen, while the air is blown upon the tail portion of the sieve, where it becomes again charged with starch particles and is returned to the separating-chamber, so that the air is kept in circulation within the machine.

We claim as our invention- 1. The combination with the screen by which the starch is separated from the candies, of a tray-feeder arranged transversely below the head portion of the screen, and a starch-conveyer arranged underneath the following portion of the screen and moving the starch which passes through that portion of the screen to the tray-feeder, whereby the trays on the feeder receive directlythe starch which is sifted through the head portion of the screen and receive from the conveyer the starch which is collected by the latter, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination with the separatingscreen, of a tray-feeder arranged transversely below the head portion of the screen, a starchreceiving table arranged underneath the screen between the tray-feeder and the tail of the screen, and a reciprocating scraperconveyer arranged upon said table, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination with the separatingscreen and the receiving-table arranged underneath the screen, of a reciprocating scraper arranged upon said table,and movable latches or switches whereby the scraper is raised from the table during its return stroke, substantially as set forth.

4. The combination with the screen by which the starch is delivered to the trays, of a stationary tray guide and support arranged transversely underneath said screen, and an endless feed-belt arranged on one side of said screen and in line with said guide and support, whereby each tray is moved by the belt upon said stationary support and then released, leaving the tray stationary while being filled and until displaced by another tray fed forward by the feed-belt, substantially as set forth.

'5. The combination with the separating screen provided with an imperforate section,

IIO

of a movable brush arranged above said imperforate section, substantially as set forth.

6. The combination with the separatingscreen provided with an imperforate section, of a rotary brush arranged above said section and means whereby said brush is moved back and forth over said section, substantially as set forth.

7. The combination with the separatingscreen provided with an imperforate section, of a rotary brush arranged above said section, reciprocating supports in which said brush is journaled, and means whereby said supports can be adjusted toward and from the screen, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination with the separatingscreen, of a movable brush arranged above said screen, and an air-spout separate from said brush and delivering a blast of air against that portion of the screen which lies in rear of said brush and is not obstructed by the same, substantially as set forth.

9. The combination with the separatingscreen having an imperforate section, of a movable brush arranged above said section, an air-spout by which a blast of air is delivered against the screen in rear of said brush, and a tray-feeder arranged underneath the screen, substantially as set forth.

10. The combination with the separatingscreen and the chamber inclosing the same, of a movable brush arranged in said chamber and above said screen, a filtering starchcollector arranged above said chamber and communicating at its lower end with the same, and a fan whereby an air-current is drawn through said chamber and starch'collector and which has its blast-spout arranged to direct the blast upon the screen in rear of said brush and into said chamber, whereby the air is returned to the screen-chamber after it has been freed from the starch, substantially as set forth.

11. The combination with the separating screen and the chamber inclosing the same and a tray-feeder, of a starch-collector arranged above said chamber and screen, and a fan whereby an air-current is drawn through said chamber and starch-collector and which has its blast-spout arranged to direct the blast upon the screen in said chamber, Whereby the blast is delivered upon the screen after having been freed from the starch by said of a spring arranged transversely to the line of movement of the screen and at an oblique angle to the screen-surface, substantially as set forth.

13. The combination with a shaking-screen of a spring arranged transversely to the line of movement of the screen and at an oblique angle to the screen-surface, and means whereby the oblique position of the spring can be adjusted, substantially as set forth.

14. The combination with a shaking-screen and the stationary frame in which the screen is mounted, of transverse springs arranged at both ends of the screen at an oblique angle to the screen-surface and secured at their ends to said frame and at their middle to the screen, and means whereby the screen is moved, substantially as set'forth.

15. The combination with the separating. screen and the tray-guide arranged below the same, of a tray-retaining frame and springs whereby said frame is yieldingly pressed against the trays, substantially as set forth.

16. The combination with the separatingscreen and the tray-guide arranged below the same, of a tray-retaining frame arranged in said guide and provided with side bars adapted to bear against the trays, and leaf-springs secured 'to said bars and provided at their ends with hooks which engage with the adjacent wall, substantially as set forth.

17. The combination with the separatingchamber and the tray-guide, of a verticallymovable tray-retaining frame arranged insaid guide and provided with two longitudinal bars each of which consists of a depending portion having a rounded front end and a horizontal portion having a rounded front end, substantially as set forth. 18. The combination with the separatingchamber and the tray-guide, of a verticallymovable trayretaining frame arranged in said guide and provided with two longitudinal bars each of Which consists of a depend-- ing portion having a rounded front end and a horizontal portion having a rounded front end, and springs whereby said frame is yieldingly held in a depressed position, snbstan-. tially as set forth.

Witness our hands this 20th day of December, 1897.

AUGUST HEINE.

GEORGE S. MACK.

Witnesses:

H. W. ALLEN, F. L. CRANSON. 

